USA > Michigan > Calhoun County > History of Calhoun County, Michigan, a narrative account of its historical progress, its people, and its principal interests, Volume II > Part 98
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Migrating to Michigan in 1857, Dr. Addington located at Battle Creek, which was then a mere hamlet, and from that time until his death made this city his home, although he spent four winters in California. Intelligent and progressive, he always kept in touch with the times, reading broadly, and carrying his investigations far and wide into the realms of medical science and research. In 1877 he was graduated from the Bennett Medical College of Chicago, IlInois, and while in that insti- tution became a member of the Eclectic Medical Society. In addition to being a very successful and popular physician, the doctor was extensively engaged in the buying and selling of real estate, both in city and country property, and became the owner of valuable real estate in Battle Creek.
Dr. Addington was twice married. He married first Miss Bryan, a daughter of Judge Russell Bryan, of Eagle, New York, and of their union three children were born, namely: Spencer Howard, who died when young, in Erie, Pennsylvania ; Helen M., widow of Frederick Rus- sell, of Kansas City, Missouri; and Aylett Amanda, wife of Frank N. Wagner, of Battle Creek, and mother of John A. Wagner, of whom a brief biographical review may be found on another page of this work. The doctor married for his second wife Maria Antoinette Davidson, of Battle Creek, a daughter of William Davidson, who came from Cherry Valley, Otsego county, New York, to Battle Creek. She survives him, and is now residing at No. 13 Wabash avenue, North.
For many years the doctor's office was at the corner of Main and McCamley streets, on the site of the present postoffice building. Dr. Addington was independent, both in politics and in religion, and of him it can be truly said that no man had a stricter regard for right, justice, and truth than he, and not one was more kindly and charitable towards the poor.
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COLONEL JOHN BALDWIN. If there be any solace or consolation to the hearts of bereaved families in the knowledge of loyal and faithful ser- vice on the part of their loved ones in the defense of the nation, then the widow and sons of Colonel John A. Baldwin are blessed four fold, even in their sorrow. For his was a life crowded to the very edges with the fullest activity and the most telling and effective service in his coun- try's cause. Although he was cut off from the activities of life in the very prime of his manhood, having seen but fifty-two years of life, Col- onel Baldwin had been privileged to give constant service to the nation in his various military capacities, on each and every occasion of action adding new honors and glory to his list of achievements. His death, which came on March 15, 1903, at Battle Creek, Michigan, was the direct result of illness contracted in his Philippine service, and terminated a life which, in the natural order of events, might have been spared to its country's service for another quarter century.
Colonel Baldwin was born in Fairfield, Iowa, on March 30, 1851, and he was the son of Thomas and Ann Braithwaite Baldwin. His boy- hood years were passed in Westchester county, New York, where he at- tended the public schools and subsequently attended New York Col- lege in New York. In 1872, when he was twenty-one years of age, he was appointed second lieutenant in the Ninth U. S. Infantry by Presi- dent Grant. For twenty years thereafter he was engaged in frontier service, and took an active and prominent part in the many struggles with the Indians during those years, notable among the many engage- ments he participated in being the fight with the Sioux at Tongue River, Dakota, in 1873. He was with General Crook in the campaign against the northern Cheyennes and Sioux warriors three years later and as- sisted in the chase after Geronimo in Arizona during the Apache war.
When war with Spain was declared, Lieutenant Baldwin, then Cap- tain Baldwin, was serving on the staff of the governor of Arizona, and he did not rejoin his regiment until it sailed for the Philippines on March 24, 1899. He was in command of a battalion of the Ninth Regi- ment in the fight at Cavite and Manila, and was complimented for gal- lantry and efficiency by General Lawton, and was promoted to the rank of major and transferred to the Twenty-second Infantry. He served under General MacArthur in the campaign from San Fernando to Tar- lac, and in all his Philippine service his action was distinguished by signal bravery and skill as an officer and soldier. He was breveted major for distinguished gallantry on the field of battle in the Philippines. His most arduous campaign was with Wheaton's expedition brigade over the Infernal Trail in the mountains of Northern Luzon. After his return home he was promoted to the Sixteenth Infantry and breveted Colonel for distinguished and gallant service in the Philippines. He won distinctive praise and mention in the press of the nation for his ex- ceeding gallantry early in the Spanish war, and from a New York newspaper is quoted the glaring three column headlines appearing on the morning of August 5, 1899: "Through a galling fire led by Major John A. Baldwin, the brave boys of the Ninth Infantry saved the Colo- rado Volunteers from annihilation at Guadeloupe Ridge." Many were the tributes paid to Col. Baldwin in praise of his service to his country and the flag in those days of strife, but lack of space renders impossible more than the merest mention of the fact.
Arduous service in the Philippines, together with the unfamiliar climatic conditions, had sapped the strength of the heretofore strong and rugged soldier, and on his return from the islands he was com- pelled to take the first sick-leave in all the years of his service. In 1902 he came to Battle Creek in search of health at the Sanitarium, and here
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he remained until his death in the following year. Funeral services were held at St. Thomas Episcopalian church in this city and interment made at Arlington cemetery, Washington, D. C. It was a military fun- eral and conducted under the auspices of the Battle Creek Commandery of Knights Templar. A detail of United States officers accompanied the remains from this city, and the pallbearers were : Hon. E. C. Hinman, Charles F. Bock, F. H. Boughton, L. B. Brocket, B. J. Owen, Col. F. H. Latta, Dr. Lamoreaux and A. J. Little. He was buried with civic and military honors. Colonel Baldwin was an intimate friend and associate of the famous Generals Funston and Otis, and was well known in army circles throughout the country for his gallant service and brilliant mili- tary achievements. His untimely death called forth many expressions of regret and sincerest personal sorrow, and his widow received innu- merable letters of sympathy, many of them coming from such men as Major-General Lloyd Wheaton, General Frederick Funston, General E. S. Otis, Captain Hodges, Colonel James Reagan, and countless others of high standing in military circles, all testifying to the magnificent courage, the splendid achievement, the general esteem and popularity of the man, both as a soldier and in his private capacity.
Colonel Baldwin was the second United States Army officer to be made high priest in the Masonic Lodge of which he was a member at Sackett Harbor, and appropriate resolutions were adopted by this lodge, a copy of which it is deemed most appropriate to incorporate in this brief memorial sketch, attesting as it does to the high standing of the Colonel in the hearts of his fellow men. Here follows a copy of the resolutions : "To the E. H. P., officers and companions of Sackett Harbor Chapter No. 68, R. A. M., April 21, 1903.
"WHEREAS, a few weeks have passed away since the mournful tidings reached the outer door of our earthly Temple that a beloved companion had been called to that Temple above, that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens, Excellent Past High Priest, John A. Baldwin is no more. He was one whom nature had liberally endowed with all those sweet traits of character that contribute so much to the social con- geniality and universal fraternity of man.
"As long as we sojourn upon earth may we who were personally as- sociated with him in our order revere and pay loving tribute and respect to his memory. He was exalted to the most sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason in Sackett Harbor Chapter No. 68 March 22, 1892. He served this Chapter as King two years and as Excellent High Priest one year.
"His career as an officer in the United States Army was more than an ordinarily honorable one, as was attested by his superior officers in the field. He held the high rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the United States army at the time of his death.
"Companion John A. Baldwin died at Battle Creek, Michigan, March 15, 1903. His labors are over and he rests in the peaceful embrace of the eternal sleep, but the influence of his labors and of his many good deeds will remain as a halo of glory about his name. A man dies, and the place that once knew him knows him no more, but his expressed thoughts and words will influence in a silent manner generations who never spoke his name. And so our companion, though dead, yet liveth in the hearts of men, and though silent, yet speaketh to generations to come. How blessed to close life's record with a knowledge that there remains a stream of personal influence whose exhaustless source has risen in some kind word spoken, some good deed done or in some noble effort to benefit mankind !
"RESOLVED, That while we humbly submit to the will of the Grand
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Architect of the Universe, we deeply mourn the loss of our late Com- panion John A. Baldwin.
"RESOLVED, That in the death of Champion Baldwin the chapter has lost a pillar of strength and support, his wife a loving husband, his sons an indulgent father, and the community an honest and esteemed citizen.
"RESOLVED, That we extend to the widow and sons our deep and heart felt sympathy. We commend them to Him who doeth all things well, who in His infinite love and mercy will help them bear their great affliction.
"RESOLVED, That as a tribute of respect to the memory of our late companion, the furniture and jewels of this Chapter be draped in mourn- ing for two months.
"RESOLVED, That a copy of these resolutions be presented to the family of the deceased companion and that they be entered upon a memorial page of the Book of Records of this Chapter.
"JAMES A. WILSON,
"LEWIS W. DAY, "Committee."
Obituary notices appeared in the leading papers of New York, Bos- ton, Chicago, San Francisco, and many other prominent cities of the United States, all paying splendid tribute to the worthy life and splendid accomplishments of Colonel Baldwin, and his loss was keenly felt in army circles, wherein he was ever a leading favorite. He was a member of the Athelstan Club and of St. Thomas' Episcopal church in Battle Creek, and in the comparatively short time of his residence there, though suffering constantly from ill health, he won to himself many friends, stanch and true, who yet mourn him in their hearts, and cherish bright and tender memories of the brave soldier,-the kind and courtly gentleman who knew so well how to win and keep their affections.
On June 3, 1891, Colonel Baldwin was united in marriage with Mrs. Lucy F. Hamilton at San Francisco, California. Mrs. Baldwin is a daughter of George W. Prescott of that city, and she was born and reared there, her advanced education being received chiefly in the east. Her father was a prominent wholesale lumber merchant of San Francisco, well known and popular there in his day, but he passed away many years ago. Mrs. Baldwin's mother resides with her in her home in Battle Creek, where the family has made its home since 1902. Two sons were born to Colonel and Mrs. Baldwin. Geoffrey Prescott was graduated from the Battle Creek high school in 1911 and is now a cadet in the United States Military Academy. The younger son, John Braithwaite, is now a junior in the high school in this city. Both sons were born at Madison Barracks, New York.
Mrs. Baldwin is a member of the Country Club of Battle Creek, and is Regent of the Battle Creek Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The family residence is maintained at 37 Chestnut street.
GEORGE U. MCCARTY is mayor of the city of Albion and foreman of the Gale Manufacturing Company. Since his election to the mayoralty in 1912 he has gone far towards demonstrating his capability as a pub- lic official, and the city has every reason to congratulate itself upon its choice of a chief executive.
A native son of Michigan, Mr. McCarty was born in Allegan county, on March 31, 1868. His parents were Charles E. and Katherine Mc- Carty, early settlers of Allegan county, where the father was occupied
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in farming pursuits. He died there in 1908 and his widow, who still survives him, makes her home in Albion.
George U. McCarty was educated in the public and high schools in Allegan county, Michigan. On leaving school he began to make his own way, and was for a time variously employed in divers lines of busi- ness. In 1879 he entered the employ of the Pere Marquette Railroad in their machine shops, and he remained with them for five years, learn- ing the trade of a machinist from the bottom up. On leaving the Michi- gan Central shops he secured employment with the Gale Manufacturing Company, and he was promoted step by step in their shops until he was accorded the position of foreman of the shops in 1902. He contin- ued in that capacity, giving excellent service to his employers, but in the meantime he became interested in local politics to some extent, and in 1909 he was elected alderman of the Fourth ward, serving three years. In 1912 his political popularity had grown so that he was elected to the office of mayor of Albion, and he resigned his office as alderman to assume the duties of the greater position of mayor. His administra- tion already has witnessed several important improvements in the civic life with others just beginning and still others in contemplation. Mr. McCarty still retains his position as foreman of the Gale works, but devotes his evenings and Saturday afternoons to the duties of his office, and is able to keep matters well in hand, as a result of his close atten- tion to business.
In 1888, Mr. McCarty was united in marriage with Miss Cecelia Fitch, daughter of Norman Fitch, an old resident of Allegan, Michigan. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. McCarty ;- Irene, the eldest, is the wife of Jay Ganka; she was a graduate of Albion College and for a number of years was employed as a stenographer with the Gale Manufacturing Company ; Blanche is a graduate of the Albion high school, and with her brother, Norman I., the only son of the parents, remains at home.
Mr. McCarty is a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge No. 60 and of Encampment No. 63, Knights of Pythias. He is a Republican, and takes an active and intelligent interest in county and state politics. He and his family attend the Methodist Episcopal church. The family home is maintained at No. 515 West Cass street, where they own a comfort- able and substantial residence.
BERTRAM COLBERT KIRKLAND. Associated with one of the leading industries of Battle Creek, and contributing materially to its importance in the business world, Bertram Colbert Kirkland, factory manager of the Kellogg Food Company, takes a foremost position among the pro- gressive, enterprising young business men of the city, where he has resided since his ninth year. Mr. Kirkland was born in Burlington township, Calhoun county, Michigan, January 6, 1883, son of Samuel and Carrie E. (Smallwood) Kirkland.
Thomas Kirkland, the paternal grandfather of Bertram C., was born in Derbyshire, England, in 1825, and when about twelve years of age, came to the United States, residing in Canastota, Madison county, New York, prior to coming to Michigan. In 1863 he purchased one-quarter of a section of land in Newton township, Calhoun county, and was there engaged in farming until his death, which was caused by a fall. He is buried in Burlington .township cemetery. His wife, Naomi (Col- bert) Kirkland, was born in Boughton, Huntingshire, England, in 1835, a daughter of Charles and Sarah (Wood) Colbert. Samuel Kirkland was born in Marengo township, Calhoun county, May 22, 1861, and is a bridge builder by trade, his calling necessarily taking him to various parts of the country. He was married in Burlington township, March
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1, 1882, to Carrie E. Smallwood, who was born near Adrian, Michigan, August 28, 1862, daughter of Thomas and Anna (Wyrill) Smallwood. The latter was born in 1840, in England, and came to the United States with her father, two brothers and one sister (the mother died two years previous to their coming to the United States), when she was eleven years of age, the family settling in Tecumseh, Michigan. Thomas Small- wood was born on a farm in Middlethorpe, near York, in Yorkshire, England, and when about twenty years of age, against the wishes of his parents, made his way to the United States, settling first near Tecum- seh, Michigan. His father was twice married, having six children by each wife, and Thomas was born to the second union. He finally took residence near Adrian, from whence he enlisted for service in the Civil War, becoming a veterinary surgeon in the Eighth Regiment, Michigan Cavalry, with the rank of sergeant, and served with that organization until he contracted typhoid fever, in camp, and died in Hospital Tent No. 3, at Kingston, Tennessee, being buried in National Cemetery at Chattanooga, Tennessee. Samuel and Carrie E. (Smallwood) Kirkland had three chil- dren: Bertram Colbert; Alto V., born in Newton township, April 9, 1886, and now the wife of William T. Drever, musical director at the Sanitarium; and Melbourne J., born in Newton township, October 19, 1887, and now a superintendent of manual training and at present of that department in the public schools of Big Rapids, Michigan. The mother of these children still survives and makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Drever, in this city.
The primary education of Bertram C. Kirkland was secured in the district schools of Burlington and Newton townships, and when he was nine years of age the family moved to Battle Creek, where he attended the public schools up to the tenth grade. His early boyhood was spent in one of the old time log houses of Burlington township, which had been erected by Hiram French, an early pioneer settler of that section. When he was fifteen years of age, Mr. Kirkland began to learn the trade of druggist, serving an apprenticeship of four years in the store of M. H. Goodale & Company, on the present site of the Baker Drug Com- pany, on West Main street. Later the store was sold to F. L. McClintic, after the Goodales moved it to the Post Tavern Corner, and Mr. Kirk- land continued with Mr. McClintic four years, taking a course in a pri- vate school of pharmacy and passing his examination while there. He is now registered as a pharmacist in five states, viz .: Michigan, Illinois, Oregon, Texas and the District of Columbia. In a class of one hundred and one pupils, only thirty-one passed the examination of the State Board of Michigan, and after successfully passing this examination, Mr. Kirkland took a leave of absence from Mr. McClintic and went abroad, visiting England, Holland, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland and France. On his return, he became manager of the pharmacy of Charles Young, located on North Jefferson street, and after Mr. Young's death continued for two months with his successors, the Dawson Brothers, who later sold out to the Baker Drug Company. Mr. Kirkland resigned from Dawson Brothers and accepted a position in the pharmacy in the main building of the Battle Creek Sanitarium, where he had charge of the department for three years, resigning his position to accept the factory managership of the Kellogg Food Com- pany, in which capacity he has continued to act to the present time. He is admirably fitted to discharge the duties of his present position, and is recognized as a business man of much more than ordinary ability, possessing in the fullest degree the confidence and esteem of his business associates. He has dealt some in real estate, and among other holdings has his modern residence at No. 145 Oaklawn avenue, which he erected.
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In political matters he is a staunch Republican. He was reared in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is an enthusiastic motor- ist and a member of the Battle Creek Automobile Club, and Chamber of Commerce.
On October 14, 1908, Mr. Kirkland was united in marriage at the home of Dr. J. H. Kellogg, to Harriett Eleanor Kellogg, adopted daugh- ter of Dr. J. H. Kellogg. She was born at East Cowes, Isle of Wight, England, daughter of Capt. Daniel and Fanny (White) Sargent, who had eleven other children, and who still reside in England, Capt. Sar- gent being the owner of several boats. Mrs. Kirkland was brought to the United States when seven years of age with her sister, Mrs. Dr. Case, of Battle Creek, by Dr. Kellogg. Mrs. Kirkland was educated both by private tutor and in the old Battle Creek College, and subse- quently graduated from the Philadelphia Training School for Kinder- gartners, and for two years had charge of the Sanitarium Kindergar- ten. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Kirkland: Elizabeth Eleanor and Helena Louise, both at home.
HON. ADRIAN F. COOPER ranks among the leading attorneys of Al- bion, of which city he has been a resident since 1891. From the status of the farmer boy he has risen gradually from place to place until he is now recognized for one of the leading lawyers of the county, and he has filled numerous important offices in the public life of the city and county.
Adrian F. Cooper was born in Ontario, Canada, in January, 1873. He is the son of Joseph and Elizabeth ( Amos) Cooper, the father being a native Canadian of Irish descent and the mother a Canadian of Eng- lish descent. Joseph Cooper was a farmer by occupation, and to that calling he devoted many of the best years of his life. He came to Al- bion, Michigan, in 1891, and there died in April, 1905, while his widow passed away in this city in 1911. Their son passed his boyhood on the farm and for a time attended the district school. He later attended the public school and thereafter entered the preparatory department of Albion College, where he pursued his studies for five years, and was graduated from that institution in 1896. He began his independent life as a teacher and going to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, was engaged as a teacher at the little towns of Dollar Bay and Chassell in Houghton county for a space of four years. He then returned to Albion and began to read law under the direction of D. M. Weeks. In 1900 the young man went to Chicago and became established in the office of Kremer & Greenfield, where he was engaged for one year. Returning to Albion once more, he was admitted to the bar of the state of Mich- igan on May 10, 1901, and thereupon engaged in the practice of his profession. He later went to Jackson, Michigan, but his stay there was a brief one, and he was soon back in Albion, where he formed a co- partnership with his former tutor in the law, Mr. Weeks. The firm was known as Weeks & Cooper, and they have since continued to be connected in that early association, both of the principals to the firm being popular and prominent in the profession and with their large and representative clientele.
Mr. Cooper has held numerous offices of importance in Calhoun county, his first public service being represented by his election to the office of circuit court commissioner, in which he served for four years. In 1903 he was elected city clerk and served two terms in that capacity. In 1909 he was elected mayor of the city of Albion, and he held this important office for two terms, being elected on the Republican ticket, of which party he is a staunch adherent. He has served five terms as
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city attorney of Albion, and also has twice filled the office of chairman of the Republican County Committee. He is, in a civic way, equally prominent and has served as secretary and treasurer of the Albion Business Men's Association. He is a member of the Athletic Board of Albion College, and has served as president and director of the Alumni Association of that institution. In a fraternal way, Mr. Cooper is asso- ciated with the Masonic fraternity, and is a member of Murat Lodge No. 14, A. F. & A. M., Albion Chapter No. 32, R. A. M., also of the Council of Albion, No. 57, and of the Order of the Eastern Star.
In October, 1906, Mr. Cooper married Miss Emma Worden, of Read- ing, Hillsdale county, Michigan, where her father was prominently en- gaged in the hardware business. Her parents were George and Ella L. (Chester) Worden. Mr. and Mrs. Cooper have two children, Helen Marie and Donald W., the latter born September 16, 1912. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church, and their residence is maintained at No. 706 South Superior street. In addition to his home place, Mr. Cooper is the owner of two or three representative dwellings and other city prop- erty of considerable value, which he rents.
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